At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing strategies and vendor partnerships across Europe to drive profitability.
- Company: Join a dynamic international team at LilyLifestyle, shaping product ranges for thousands of customers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to influence product strategy.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your career in purchasing.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in purchasing or category management with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for a commercially savvy Purchasing & Assortment Manager to drive profitability, strengthen vendor partnerships, and shape the product strategy for their division across our European business. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a truly international environment, influencing product ranges that support thousands of customers.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading assortment, vendor selection, contract management and pricing across 7 core markets (UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria & Switzerland), plus coordination with Italy, Spain & France.
- Developing category and product strategies to maximise sales, margins and customer satisfaction.
- Negotiating contracts and building long-term vendor relationships.
- Managing product lifecycles, from new launches to delistings.
- Driving cost savings, own-brand development, and rebate opportunities.
- Collaborating with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain and Merchandising on promotions and category performance.
- Providing market insights and managing vendor performance against agreements.
About you:
- 5+ years purchasing and/or category management experience in an international trading environment.
- Proven track record in negotiation, vendor management and category strategy.
- Strong commercial mindset with the ability to spot risks and opportunities in data.
- Excellent stakeholder management and clear, confident communication.
- Fluent in English (other languages such as French, Dutch or German are an advantage but not essential).
- Skilled in Excel; experience with pricing management or BI tools (e.g. Power BI) a plus.
- Willingness to travel.
Purchasing & Assortment Lead. Job in Thurcaston LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
At LilyLifestyle, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in Thurcaston. Our team enjoys competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a significant impact in a truly international environment. Join us to collaborate with diverse teams across Europe, driving product strategies that enhance customer satisfaction while developing your career in a supportive atmosphere.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing & Assortment Lead. Job in Thurcaston LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves vendor management and contract negotiations, be ready to demonstrate your approach to these situations during interviews. Role-play with a friend if you need to!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing & Assortment Lead. Job in Thurcaston LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Purchasing & Assortment Lead role. Highlight your experience in vendor management and category strategy, and don’t forget to showcase your commercial mindset!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this international role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven profitability and built strong vendor relationships.
Show Off Your Data Skills:Since the role requires a strong ability to spot risks and opportunities in data, make sure to mention your Excel skills and any experience with BI tools like Power BI. We love seeing how you can leverage data to make informed decisions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Purchasing & Assortment Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial savvy. Brush up on key metrics related to purchasing and category management. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive profitability and make informed decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a big part of this role, so prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Think about the strategies you used, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This will show your potential employer that you can build long-term vendor relationships effectively.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the markets you'll be working in, especially the 7 core ones mentioned. Research current trends, customer preferences, and competitive products. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can shape product strategies that maximise sales and customer satisfaction.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong stakeholder management is crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with different teams in the past, and be ready to showcase your communication skills during the interview.
